Newcastle enter race to sign Ligue 1 defender
Amongst reports that Arsenal are attempting to sign the Frenchman as cover following a recent left-back crisis, Newcastle United have joined the race to sign Lyon star, Aly Cissokho.
The Gunners have been unfortunate this season after witnessing Kieran Gibbs succumb to injury with the England Under-21 starlet not expected back until later this month.
Arsene Wenger was also unlucky to see summer signing Andre Santos added to the injury table last month and the Brazilian isn’t expected to be back in action until early April, leading the side to be associated with just about every top flight left-back who is considered surplus to requirements at their club.
Newcastle are experiencing a dilemma of their own having seen Steven Taylor sidelined for the season after rupturing his achilles tendon, leading several defenders to be played out of their natural position.
Ryan Taylor has impressed with his form this season playing out of left-back but reports suggested in the pre-season that the free kick specialist wasn’t hitting the heights expected of him.
Davide Santon is another full-back to have made his fair share of appearances this campaign, and whilst the summer signing has made five Premier League starts under Alan Pardew, the Italian international hasn’t hit the heights that were expected of him before his arrival.
Cissokho is a French international that is apparently open to a Premier League move.
What’s more, Lyon chief Jean-Michel Aulas stated earlier this month that the Ligue 1 side would be wiling to let their left-back leave the club after a shortage of finances have left the club in need of a centre-back with no money to buy one.
Alan Pardew has reportedly made a £9m bid for the defender as they look to continue their impressive start to the season.
